Saturday, September 10, 2011

Children's books about special needs - some ideas

Sensitive Sam: Sam's Sensory Adventure Has a Happy Ending!Appropriate for children, families, and professionals, this wonderful book brings to life the story of Sam, whose over-sensitivity creates chaos and frustration in his life. Sam's various sensory sensitivities adversely affect Sam's experiences, both at home and in the classroom. He walks readers through his typical day of sensory blunders (which many kids and families may find all too familiar!). Available on Amazon.

I Want To Be Your FriendEmma has apraxia of speech and struggles to communicate. She wants to be friends with classmates and peers but often they can't understand her speech. This story, told in Emma's "voice", explains apraxia from her viewpoint. Emma explains her feelings, all of the ways that she CAN communicate, and also her special interests that are just like those of the children she would like to be her friends. Written by Emma's mother, Angela Baublitz. Available through Casana http://www.apraxia-kids.org/

Don't Call Me Special: A First Look at DisabilityThis delightful picture book explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way. Younger children can find out about individual disabilities, special equipment that is available to help the disabled, and how people of all ages can deal with disabilities and live happy and full lives. Titles in this series for younger children explore emotional issues that boys and girls encounter as part of the growing-up process. Books are focused to appeal to kids of preschool through early school age. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, A First Look At books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers, and encourage kids to ask questions and confront social and emotional questions that sometimes present problems. Books feature appealing full-color illustrations on every page plus a page of advice to parents and teachers. Available on Amazon.

Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears? Dealing with Sensory OverloadMeet Izzy, a feisty first grader, whose behavior is often misunderstood as she tries to cope with sensory overload in her new surroundings. This brightly illustrated book creates an environment that is accepting of students with sensory modulation difficulties, including many on the autism spectrum. It's a great resource for occupational therapists, teachers, and parents to share with children. Resources for adults at the end of the book include definitions of sensory processing and sensory modulation disorder, suggested discussion questions, and lists of related books and websites. Available on Amazon.

Leo the Late BloomerLeo, a child-tiger, is irrepressibly incapable of doing anything right - until one day, he seems to miraculously improve. Available through Amazon.

What It Is to Be Me!: An Asperger Kid BookWhat It Is To Be Me! is an excellent snapshot into what Asperger's Syndrome is all about.  Written from the perspective of the author's son, Danny, a boy with Asperger's Syndrome, shares the ups, downs, and pride of being an Asperger kid.  Fully illustrated, this book is insightful and entertaining for both children and adults alike. Listed on Amazon but currently out of stock. You may find this in your local library if out of print.

In Jesse's ShoesWhat parent hasn't urged son or daughter not to stare at or tease a child who is "different" or disabled in some way? In this sensitive yet realistic story, Jesse's sister struggles to understand her brother--and the kids who make fun of him. This endearing book will encourage families everywhere to appreciate and befriend children with special needs. Available on Amazon.

Ian's Walk: A Story about AutismJulie can't wait to go to the park  feed the ducks with her big sister. Her little brother, Ian, who has autism, wants to go, too. Ian doesn't have the same reactions to all the sights and sounds that his sisters have, and Julie thinks he looks silly. Available through Amazon.

Susan LaughsSusan laughs, she sings. she rides, she swings.
She gets angry, she gets sad, she is good, she is bad...

Told in rhyme, this story follows Susan through a series of familiar activities. She swims with her father, works hard in school, plays with her friends -- and even rides a horse. Lively, thoughtfully drawn illustrations reveal a portrait of a busy, happy little girl with whom younger readers will identify. Not until the end of the story is it revealed that Susan uses a wheelchair.

Told with insight, and without sentimentality, here is an inspiring look at one spunky little girl whose physical disability is never seen as a handicap. Available on Amazon.


My Friend Isabelle(2004 iParenting Media Award Winner) Isabelle and Charlie are friends. They both like to draw, dance, read, and play at the park. They both like to eat Cheerios. They both cry if their feelings are hurt. And, like most friends, they are also different from each other. Isabelle has Down syndrome. Charlie doesn't. Written by Isabelle's mother, this charming tale encourages readers to think about what makes a friendship special. MY FRIEND ISABELLE also opens the door for young children to talk about differences and the world around them. It's a wonderful story to read at bedtime or to share at school. Lively full color illustrations dovetail beautifully with the text to bring the simple story to life. Available on Amazon.

A Rainbow of FriendsThis book is for ages 3-5. Friends come in all colours and sizes; they can be funny or serious, musical or athletic, outgoing or quiet. This book reminds children to celebrate their differences because that is what makes each of us so special. Available on Amazon.

What I Like About Me!The kids in What I Like About Me! are as different as night and day. And, guess what? They love it. Some adore the fact that their braces dazzle and gleam, others feel distinguished when they wear their glasses. Still others wouldn't trade their big feet for a lifetime of free video games. A mylar mirror embedded in the last page let kids take a look at themselves and decide what they like best about themselves. Available on Amazon.

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